The passage of the health care reform has sparked heated debate as to the potential consequences and shortcomings. This bill is most likely not ideal, but at least it's a start to help correct the health care disparities by allowing coverage to most Americans, and thus bringing us up to par with most industrialized nations.

It is our job to find and define aspects of this bill that require correction in a civil and intelligent fashion. Citizens need to encourage elected representatives to work cooperatively, not antagonistically.

We also need to be civil with each other, and no form of threat of violence should be considered acceptable.

Individuals and groups encouraging hate-filled and hysterical attitudes should be aware that history shows that inciting the reactions that are being witnessed now can lead to violent, tragic outcomes.

Peter Juergensen